College news
• The following local students were honored for academic excellence during the summer 2022 semester at Community College of Vermont. Named to the student honors list were Ada Brown, Cheryl Christophe, Emma Ethier, and Chelsea Lawson of Brattleboro; Krystal Martin and Ethan Gray of Dummerston; Brooke Chaney of Guilford; Brooke Covey of Putney; Paul Jerz of Townshend; Alexis Grisales of West Dover; Zachary Condon of Whitingham; and Brianne Trudeau of Wilmington. Named to the Dean's List was Noah Morgan of Brattleboro.
• Beth Carl of Guilford earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University's Leavitt School of Health in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.
Obituaries
• Carl Marcus Crowninshield, 62, of Jamaica. Died unexpectedly on Oct. 14, 2022. Carl was born on Nov. 16, 1959 in Brattleboro, son of the late Helen (Carlson) and Ray Crowninshield. He graduated from Leland & Gray Union High School in 1978. Following high school, he moved to Calais, Maine to become a certified welder. He was an avid gunsmith, leather tooler, knife maker, custom craftsman, and finish carpenter. Carl loved the outdoors and spent time working in the woods - logging, milling, and processing firewood. There was not one thing Carl could not do or fix. In recent years, he had suffered a major stroke. Despite the new challenges he endured, he kept a positive outlook on life. If you knew him, you couldn't forget the twinkle in his eyes, his gap-toothed smile, array of tattoos, and his long-haired antics. Carl was the type of man who would have a conversation with anyone. He was a great listener, an art that not all have mastered. Carl had a zest for life which led him down a few less traveled roads and few precarious ones, which inevitably included a few motorcycle and car accidents. He lived an eventful, well-lived life on his own terms. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as the advanced preparations needed for spending extended time outdoors. In his youth, he participated in weeklong overnight adventures at the YMCA camps in New Hampshire. He was a hands-on stepfather and uncle, taking the Hunter's Safety Course with both children, educating his niece on firearms and outdoor safety, and attending countless sporting and school events. He will be forever remembered for his selfless, kind heart by friends and family near and far. Carl is survived by his brother Eric Crowninshield; stepbrother Peter DeWitt; niece Brittany Bennett and her husband Shawn Bennett and family; stepchildren Laura and Jared LaMarche and their families, as well as many other extended family members. Memorial information: Carl was a simple man, who lived a simple life. He asked that no service or celebration take place upon his passing. To honor Carl, we ask that you crack a beer, a cold Gatorade, or grab a smoke, and spend time with those you love, enjoy the great outdoors, or take one of those less traveled roads. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Jamaica Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc., in his name.
• Beatrice “Bea” DeFeo, 96, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 9, 2022, after a short illness. She was born on Aug. 9, 1926 in Chaumont, New York. She married George DeFeo, the love of her life, in 1958 in Ardsley, New York, and moved to Brattleboro in 1970. George died in April 2020. Bea and George owned and operated Poor Richard's, Alice's and, at one time, ran the Brattleboro Country Club, all in Brattleboro. She retired from First Vermont Bank (now TD Bank) and worked at American Legion Post 5, The Elks, and the VFW. Her many friends will remember Bea fondly as the “95-year-old bartender” - a job she adored. Beatrice is survived by her four children: Renita McGuinness (Kerry) of Cornwall, New York, Deby Jackson (Rodney) of Auburn, New Hampshire, George DeFeo of Frisco, Texas, and Kenneth DeFeo (Lori) of McKinney, Texas; daughter-in-law Terri Hanson DeFeo of Arizona. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as her her sister, Audrey Branche Misercola of Watertown, New York; her sisters-in-law Mary DeFeo Jonas of New Fairfield, Connecticut and Betty DeFeo Cobb of Stockton California, plus many nieces and nephews. Beatrice is predeceased by her parents Georgiana Perney and George Milton Branche, and six sisters and five brothers. Memorial information: A celebration of life is being planned for some time in the spring of 2023. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
• Amelia Ann Goodnow, 24, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, formerly of Vernon. Died unexpectedly Oct. 14, 2022 in Petersburgh, New York, from injuries she sustained in a single-car accident. Amelia was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 11, 1998, the daughter of Robert and Kym (Logan) Goodnow and Mark and Spring (Shaida) Prue. She was raised in Vernon, attending Vernon Elementary School, later attending Brattleboro Area Middle School and graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 2017. At the time of her death, Amelia was employed as a licensed nursing assistant with Care Solutions, a home health agency based in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Previously, she worked as an LNA at Vernon Green Nursing Home, initially working in the kitchen, and later taking courses at the Green to earn her LNA certificate. Amelia was a people person and thoroughly enjoyed her position as a dedicated caregiver. She was an outdoor girl who enjoyed camping, hiking, and kayaking. Amelia was a lover of animals and nature. She especially cherished time spent with her family, especially her twin sister, whom she made her home with. Amelia never left a room without a hug and a smile and a “love ya later.” She loved all her people and was never afraid to let you know it. Her heart was a gift to us all. She is survived by both sets of parents and her nine siblings: twin sister Amanda, and Bradley, Bridgette, Junior, Matthew, Christopher, Aaron, Tyler, and Kyle. Additionally, she leaves her paternal grandparents, Joyce and Terry Goodnow, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, plus her beloved Boxer, Marley, and her cat, Shadow. Memorial information: A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m., in the fellowship hall at the Vernon Advent Christian Church on Fort Bridgman Road. Light refreshments will be served. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to Amelia's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Joan Kelton Lake, 92, of Grafton. Died peacefully at home on Oct. 6, 2022. As she faced her final illness, she was lovingly cared for by her family and a devoted team of community members. Her last weeks were filled with visits from family and friends, and she reassured us all that while she loved and would miss us, she was ready to move on. Joan was born in 1930 and grew up in Athens. She graduated from Bellows Falls High School and studied at New England Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Boston. She worked as an R.N. for many years in Bellows Falls and later in Springfield. Joan and Norman Lake were married for 55 years and they shared a kind, thoughtful and adventurous partnership. They loved working outdoors together, whether they were clearing a view, loading brush, or going for afternoon drives down the back roads of Vermont, often by horse and buggy. They had two sons and three grandchildren. It was a special joy that Joan could meet and hold her great granddaughter. Joan was a strong advocate for the town of Grafton and worked faithfully on events to bring people together and create community. Whether at the Fireman's Tag Sale in October, the Athens/Grafton Town Picnic in July, or weekly Grafton Cares luncheons, she was happy working alongside and motivating friends of all ages. Joan was informed and engaged in local politics and organizations. She was deeply proud of and grateful for the small but strong community of Grafton. Joan led by example when it came to participating in town governance and organizing community events. Joan cared deeply for her family and extensive network of friends, and was a fantastic listener because she wanted to understand people and share her knowledge and perspective. Joan's gardens were colorful and beautifully tended, and she lovingly planted flowers at many local cemeteries. She could often be found digging in the dirt, raking leaves, or rigorously weed whacking, right through her 80s. Her creative and productive nature was also expressed through her beautiful fiber arts. Her colorful quilts helped keep loved ones warm in chilly weather and, in times of loss, she would provide comforting shawls to remind people that they were cared for and thought of. Her hands were always busy. Knitting sweaters, mittens, hats, and socks filled her time with purpose and practical beauty. Joan's legacy as a woman of many talents and interests will be carried on by her extensive family and many friends whose lives she touched. She will be remembered as a steady friend, a voice of reason, and an active community member. She took pride in her full calendar, peppered with events like the Womens' Community Club, Zodiac lunch, selectboard, community events and, of course, coffee at MKT at 9 a.m. She was fearless and graceful until the end, never losing her sharp wit or ability to make everyone in the room feel loved. She is survived by her son Tracy Lake and his wife Barbara Carey; granddaughters Mercedes Lake and Norah Lake (Chris Polashenski); grandson Hayden Lake (Hana Schlansker); and great-granddaughter Fern Polashenski. Joan was predeceased by her husband and her son, Steven Lake. She loved and will be remembered by many extended family members. Memorial information: An outside gathering in the spring of 2023 is being planned, when Joan's amazing life will be celebrated. Donations to Grafton Cares, P.O. Box 134, Grafton, VT 05146. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls.
• Nathan James “Nate” Shaffer, 34, of Brattleboro. Died with his family by his side on Oct. 6, 2022. Nate was born on Sept. 4, 1988 in Bellows Falls. He graduated from Burlington High School in 2006. Nate held many occupations throughout his life and was always willing to take on any task at hand. In April 2011, he welcomed his first son, Nathan Joseph Shaffer, into the world. In March 2014, he welcomed a second son, Kayden Lee Shaffer. Those were two of the happiest days of his life. Nate enjoyed the small things in life like video games, going on walks, dogs, four-wheeling, fast cars, and snuggling his sons. He was always up for listening to music around a bonfire with his friends and family. Nate had an infectious laugh, mischievous grin, and was always fun to be around. He was a gentle giant with a huge heart and always tried to make everyone around him smile with his silly ways. He was a loving brother and a good friend. Nate was predeceased by his grandparents, Harry and Elizabeth Tyler, Johnnie Shaffer, Ken Smith, and Patricia Hicks; his father Shawn Tyler; uncles Eddie, Jerry, Greg, William, and Travis; and a sister, Deserae Allen. He is survived by his loving mother, Carol Mcmanus; stepmother Billiejo Brooks; grandmother Ann Shaffer; siblings Brandon Shaffer, Kristie and Joshua Hutchins, Jason Shaffer, Matthew Emery, Rebecca Tyler, Corey Tyler, Honnee Mcmanus and Jonmichael Mcmanus; his sons Nathan and Kayden, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held for immediate family in the coming weeks. A full memorial will be held for his extended family and friends at a later date.
• Constance “Connie” Wallin, 107, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 13, 2022 at Bradley House Assisted Living in Brattleboro. She was born on May 30, 1915 in Winooski, the last of 12 children of Arthur and Rose LaVigne. Connie is survived by her three children, Suzanne Wallin, Rosemary Russell, and Gregory Wallin, three grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Walter Wallin, in 1999. Connie was a resident of Brattleboro for more than 80 years. She earned a B.A. in music and a master's degree in French and was an organist at St. Michael's Catholic Church and a French teacher at both Brattleboro Union High School and Greenfield Community College for many years. Connie was a member of the Floral Arts Club, volunteered at Linden Lodge, and had several interests. She enjoyed family, music, flowers, and occasional travel to Europe, especially France. She was also an avid golfer after she retired. Memorial information: A funeral Mass for the immediate family will be held in the near future at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Donations to Garden Path Elder Living, 65 Harris Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or a charity of your choice. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Correction
• Edward Joseph O'Neil leaves behind two brothers, John and Frank O'Neil. Mr. O'Neil's brothers were mistakenly listed as John and Frank Longo in the Oct. 19 edition of The Commons. Mr. O'Neil, 90, of Newfane, died Oct. 13, 2022 at Pine Heights nursing home in Brattleboro. To view his full obituary, visit www.atamaniuk.com.